Willowick man charged with murder in Eastlake man's death

Gary D. Massey, 43, of 312 Blissfield Drive, appeared in court by video conference with Lake County Public Defender Charles Grieshammer from the Eastlake Jail for a brief hearing before Magistrate Judge Almis Stempuzis.†

Massey, an eight-year resident of Willowick, was charged with aggravated murder because he allegedly did ďpurposely cause the death of Timothy R. Martz,Ē said Stempuzis.†

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Stempuzis set bond at $500,000 cash or surety. Should he be able to post bond, Massey is not permitted to consume alcohol or drugs and cannot leave the state of Ohio.†

ďAt this time, weíre not going to make any objection to the bond until we know a little more about the situation,Ē said Grieshammer.†

On May 5 at about 4:09 p.m., Massey and members of his family arrived at the Eastlake Police Station, according to a news release from Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik.†

Police then responded to Martzís residence at 1323 E. 354th St. and found him deceased inside the home. Massey and Martz, 54, were described as longtime acquaintances, according to the release.†

ďThe two had some type of altercation and when it was over Martz was mortally wounded,Ē the release stated. ďThe cause of death has not been determined.Ē†

Lake County Coroner Dr. Lynn Smith told The News-Herald that the body was taken to a lab in Cleveland for an autopsy.†

ďHe was in the middle of the floor. Iím not sure exactly what happened but the police have some history to the story,Ē Smith said. ďI didnít see any knife wounds.Ē

After the alleged altercation, Massey contacted his family members who convinced him to go to police. They then picked him up and drove him to the police station where he turned himself in without incident, according to the release.†

A preliminary hearing in Willoughby Municipal Court was scheduled for May 13 at 1 p.m.

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